It's hard not to be happy for RJ Davis.
One of the prolific scorers in ACC history, Davis didn't get his name called during the two-round NBA Draft. But shortly after the draft ended, the former All-American and ACC Player of the Year signed with the Lakers. Davis' reaction to the news on Instagram speaks for itself. He thanked God for this opportunity, while sharing the graphic the North Carolina social team made for him.
It was a bit of a longshot to expect Davis, 23, to be drafted. He is listed at 6-foot, 180 pounds, which is definitely on the small side and when he wasn't invited to the NBA Draft Combine, the writing was likely on the wall. However, the upside with not being drafted is that Davis had the opportunity to select his journey and when an iconic franchise like the Lakers offered him a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, he gladly said yes.
North Carolina star RJ Davis is getting his NBA shot with the LA Lakers after going undrafted
Davis agreed to an 'Exhibit 10' contract, which will give him a chance to showcase his talents in hopes of converting it into a two-way contract. He will likely head to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas where he will try to play his way onto the roster. When you examine the Lakers roster, you can see a potential opening for a backup point guard. Maybe Davis can be that guy.
But UNC fans should always remember Davis for the five years of excitement he gave the Tar Heel faithful. For his career, Davis averaged 15.6 points per game, with a high of 21.2 in the 2023-24 season. It was that season that Davis set the new Dean Dome record with 42 points in a game.
RJ Davis (@ariidavis_) set a new Smith Center record with 42 points.
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) February 27, 2024
Tyler Hansbrough held the previous record with 40. pic.twitter.com/To7d9AOmXX
It was also in Davis' fourth year when he was named ACC Player of the Year and a consensus First-Team All-American. Davis also won the Jerry West Award, given to the top college guard in the nation. Davis followed up that season by averaging 17.2 points and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 35.4% on 3-pointers. That was good enough to be on the All-ACC second team.
We'll be keeping a close eye on Davis, who should get plenty of run when the summer league begins on July 10.